Diamondbacks' Goldschmidt not concerned about hand this year

Goldschmidt saw his first game action since last season on Tuesday, singling in his first at-bat since August 1. Goldschmidt missed the final two months of 2014 due to a broken hand, but said the injury has not been an issue during camp.

"It was the last thing on my mind," Goldschmidt said. "It's not the first time I've gotten hit. It's not the first time I've gotten injured. Hopefully it doesn't happen again, but chances are something is going to happen in the future."

Goldschmidt has been wearing a small pad in his batting glove in order to prevent the injury should he get hit in the same spot. He's used the pad during batting practices, and said he doesn't even feel it.

The 27-year-old hit .300/.396/.542 over 406 at-bats last season.

Paul Goldschmidt takes batting practice Saturday

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(9/27/14) For the first time since fracturing his left hand in early August, Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidttook part in batting practice prior to Saturday's game against St. Louis, per MLB.com. Goldschmidt should be on track to be 100 percent healthy for spring training. He finished his 2014 campaign with a .300/.396/.542 slash line with 19 homers and 69 RBI over 406 at-bats.

Surgery not needed for Paul Goldschmidt

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(8/26/14) A CT scan Tuesday confirmed that Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt will not need surgery on his fractured left hand, FOXSportsArizona.com reports.

Goldschmidt is roughly two-to-three weeks away from beginning strengthening work on the hand, and while he's expected to miss the rest of the season, he should be 100 percent by spring training.

Or maybe your albatross isn't injured but just doesn't inspire much confidence right now, like Pedro Alvarez, Justin Verlander or Mike Minor.

I've got news for you: This late in the year, when winning is paramount, you can consider dropping them. Granted, it shouldn't be the goal because the competition can only benefit from whatever you forfeit, but sometimes, it's your only choice.

I break it down player-by-player in my latest post to the Fantasy Baseball Today blog, so if you could a little assistance with that season-shifting dilemma, be sure to check out.

Need a replacement for Paul Goldschmidt?

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(8/4/14) So Paul Goldschmidt has a fractured left hand and, at least in the opinion of manager Kirk Gibson, is likely to miss the rest of the season. Bummer. He was one of the few first-round picks who had actually performed like one up to this point.

Naturally, you shouldn't expect to get first-round production off the waiver wire or for anything close to a discount on the trade market. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't aim high. If the rest of your lineup is strong, the right replacement at first base should keep you competitive.

Of course, finding the right replacement is easier said than done, but I offer some suggestions in the Fantasy Baseball Today blog. Be sure to give it a read if you haven't already.

2014 summary:Paul Goldschmidt was on his way to another MVP-caliber season when a pitch fractured his left hand, ending his season two months prematurely. In 109 games, Goldschmidt batted .300 with 19 home runs, 69 RBI and nine stolen bases. Despite missing almost one-third of the season, Goldschmidt finished 13th among first basemen in Rotisserie value and 15th in Fantasy points.

Playing time status: Goldschmidt actually resumed taking batting practice during the final series of the season, and he is expected to be fully ready for Diamondbacks spring training.

2015 outlook: There was no regression from Goldschmidt's 2013 breakout, as he was roughly on pace to bat .300, post a .400 on-base percentage and hit 30 home runs. Owners should count on similar production this season -- and this time, for the full season -- and they should plan on using one of the first six picks overall to draft him in mixed leagues.
(Updated 12/18/14)